After two decades with the company, Pat Paxton is exiting Audacy as Chief Programming Officer, with Jeff Sottolano upped to EVP/Head of Programming. The changes were announced in a company memo today from Audacy Chairman/President/CEO David Field.
Field wrote, “Pat has been a key leader in the organization for the past 21 years, spearheading programming and playing a critical role in helping us build many of the industry’s greatest brands. Pat’s steady, decisive leadership and thoughtful insights have made him a valuable and trusted voice on Audacy’s leadership team. Pat has left an outstanding legacy at Audacy which will stand the test of time. We deeply appreciate his many important contributions to our success and everything he has meant to this company.”
He continued, “In his new role, Jeff will be responsible for the content strategy and performance of Audacy’s local brands in all formats across both broadcast and digital distribution platforms. He will oversee our outstanding programming leadership team, including SVP, Programming Dave Richards, VP, News Bill Smee, VP, Sports Matt Volk and Audacy’s team of experienced Format VPs. He will also work closely with our Music Initiatives and Live Events team led by SVP, Music Initiatives Michael Martin and SVP, Promotions and Experiences Chad Fitzsimmons, as Audacy curates amazing experiences for its listeners in-person and online. Finally, he will collaborate with digital leadership to ideate new and exclusive features and content on the Audacy app and distribution platform as the company expands its capabilities and offerings. Please join me in congratulating Jeff on his new role at Audacy.”